CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Lawyers for the suspect in the Colorado movie theater shootings said Thursday that their client is mentally ill and that they need more time to assess the nature of his illness.

James Holmes’s lawyers made the disclosure at a court hearing in Centennial, Colo., where news organizations were asking a judge to unseal documents in the case.

Holmes had the same dazed demeanor that he has had in previous court appearances.

Daniel King made the disclosure as he said lawyers need more information from prosecutors and investigators.

‘‘We cannot begin to assess the nature and the depth of Mr. Holmes’s mental illness until we receive full disclosure,’’ he said.